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The Firm

Williamsburg, Virginia

We’re an award-winning multidisciplinary team based in Albany, New York and Williamsburg, Virginia with a passion for creating innovative architecture and preserving the past.

Albany, New York

PROFILE

Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects is the collaboration of Laurence F. Wilson, M. Jeffrey Baker and Thomas A. Burgess, along with a staff of dedicated employees in the practice of Architecture, Planning, Historic Preservation & Digital Documentation. The firm has been established in various iterations since 1941 and has engaged in broad experiences in a variety of extraordinary and complex projects. 

Our Approach

At the core of every project is the belief that each one is unique, demanding thoughtful and creative solutions tailored specifically to its requirements. We emphasize disciplined research and evidence-driven methodologies, ensuring our designs are contextual, respecting the material environment while meeting the program, budget, and client expectations. 

Meet The Team

We’re an award-winning multidisciplinary team based in Albany and Williamsburg with a passion for creating innovative architecture. 

Laurence F. Wilson

Partner

Larry has over thirty-five years of architectural experience, and over twenty years as a firm Partner. He received his A.A.S. in Civil Technology from Hudson Valley Community College, then continued to New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) to receive a Bachelor's of Architecture.

He has overseen a full range of projects which include the restoration of historic landmark buildings, such as the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York; as well as the design of contemporary structures, such as the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany in Albany, New York. The projects have included conservation of historic building fabric; comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation; adaptive-use conversions; such as Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge's Chatham Union Station in Chatham, New York; and the design of additions to historic buildings, such as the Fort Orange Club Athletic Facility in Albany, New York. Larry has also worked closely with multiple universities, such as Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

M. Jeffrey Baker

Partner

Jeff has been with the firm for over thirty-years and has been a firm Partner for over twenty years. After his graduation from Hudson Valley Community College, Jeff attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he earned a Bachelor’s of Building Science and a Bachelor’s of Architecture.

A few examples of Jeff’s work include the restoration of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia; Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Lynchburg, Virginia; James Madison’s Montpelier, in Montpelier Station, Virginia; the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island; the reconstruction of the 1660’s Brick Chapel at St. Mary’s City, Maryland; the restoration of the Vermont State House in Montpelier, Vermont; the restoration of the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York; Stratford Hall in Stratford, Virginia; the restoration of Thomas Jefferson’s “Academical Village” at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia; as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Jeff has also been retained to assist in the restoration of George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia.

Thomas A. Burgess

Partner

Tom began his career with the firm in 2004 and has over sixteen years of experience specializing in historic preservation. He received his A.A.S. in Architectural Technology from the State University of New York at Delhi. After several years with MCWB, Tom relocated to Boston to earn his Bachelors of Architecture degree at Boston Architectural College while working full time at a Boston firm. Shortly after, he returned to MCWB and became a Partner in 2020.

Tom’s work at MCWB has been focused on University and College Campuses, having completed both new construction and restoration projects at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia; Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida; Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden Sydney, Virginia; Hamilton College in Clinton, New York; and Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. He has also worked as the Project Architect at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello on the restoration of the Textile Workshop, Stables, and the North and South Dependencies; at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on the stabilization of the Mansion; and historic restoration of A Country Estate in Pennsylvania used as a retreat center, complete with a Japanese Tea House and Pool House.

Eric Kuchar

Senior Manager, Business Development

Eric N. Kuchar is a Senior Manager and has worked with the firm for over 15 years. Eric manages the daily operations of the Williamsburg office and has 29 years of building conservation, historic preservation, higher education, hospitality, project management, and business development experience. Eric, a creative at heart, believes in planting seeds, building relationships, and developing teams. His collective experience working at the NYSHPO, with non-profits, on sensitive cultural sites, and in the field conducting building assessments, provides clients with successful outcomes that deliver a strong value to the community and to our nation’s history. Eric manages DHR consultation, historic tax credit applications, and assists clients with navigating the grants process.

Eric is especially passionate about the work he performed with the firm early in his career during the restoration of James Madison’s Montpelier. The team researched every inch of the building utilizing both documentary and physical evidence to develop a restoration strategy. It was this experience that has given Eric the tools to use for projects to this day. Most recently, Eric managed the documentary research and investigative probes at Hampden-Sydney College’s Venable Hall in the early days of the project to determine an accurate roadmap to rehabilitate the circa 1831 dorm utilizing historic tax credits.

He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Norwich University Board of Fellows for the School of Architecture + Art.

Eric received a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Norwich University and a Master of Science in Building Conservation from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Richard Smith

Senior Project Manager

Rick is a Senior Project Manager with over 40 years of experience; 30 of those years being with MCWB Architects. Rick has worked on a wide variety of projects during his time with the firm ranging from designing modern federal courtrooms to historic building restoration. Rick is involved with all aspects of project development from the schematic design phase through construction, with a focus on construction document development and coordination. One project that stands out for Rick is the Rehabilitation of the Maryland State House Building and Grounds, which is the most comprehensive exterior restoration of the State House ever undertaken to date. The project involved the dome and building exterior restoration, grounds walks and landscape redevelopment and façade lighting. The project also included the restoration of the Old Treasury Building, which is the oldest public building in the State of Maryland built c. 1735-36.

Lynn Webster

Senior Project Architect

Lynn is a Senior Project Architect with a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University and has been with MCWB since 1999. Lynn plays a variety of roles on projects including project management, technical design, specification writing and document review.

Her project focus is often on building envelopes and sustainable design practices, both with new as well as existing, sensitive historic structures, where understanding how insulation, and air/vapor control layers affect a building, and is crucial to its long-term durability. Additionally, Lynn reviews detailed construction documents that clearly communicate construction sequencing and design intent – ensuring the quality assurance and quality control standards of the firm.

Lynn was project Architect on The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany NY and Cornell University Hughes Hall, Ithaca NY, both large scale envelope and masonry restoration projects. Lynn was also Project Architect for Williams College Fort Bradshaw which achieved LEED Gold and Living Building Challenge Petal Certification; challenging achievements for an existing brick masonry building in the northeast United States.

Gina Blenis

Senior Project Manager

In 2000, after graduating from the University at Buffalo Architecture School, Gina began her career at MCWB Architects, Gina began her career at MCWB Architects. Having always been passionate about historic preservation and architecture, she furthered her studies, receiving a Master of Science in Building Conservation degree from RPI, while continuing work at MCWB. This strengthened her ability to investigate historic buildings and conserve historic building materials.

As a Building Conservator for over 20 years, Gina can analyze and determine historic building chronologies and development, as well as understand historic materials deterioration and how to appropriately repair and detail their treatment.

Additionally, as a Senior Project Manager, Gina manages complex restoration projects from state capitols to historic house museums. She has had the honor of working on the cleaning of the Great Western Staircase and the reconstruction of the Assembly Staircase Laylight at the New York State Capitol, the restoration of Emily Dickinson’s Homestead, the restoration of James Madison’s Montpelier, and currently, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion Revitalization project.

Mark Dahl

Senior Project Manager

Mark Dahl is a senior project manager and a member of the MCWB Architects team for over 38 years. This has given him opportunity to be directly involved in the wide range of professional services that MCWB provides to their clients. His responsibilities have included the recording of historic structures, building condition evaluations, supervision of contract drawings and specifications, and overall project management.

For the past 28 years Mr. Dahl’s role in the firm has been concentrated in the area of construction administration. Overseeing the on-site construction process of historic buildings through the day to day collaboration with clients and contractors is most rewarding. Notable commissions in recent years have been the restoration of some of Cornell University’s most iconic building structures. Those projects include exterior masonry and roofing restoration work at Hughes Hall, Sage Hall, and the Uris Library and McGraw Tower complex.

Eric Gradoia

Architectural Historian

Eric Gradoia’s familiarity with historic buildings grows out of over thirty years of involvement in studying and documenting cultural resources throughout the country. His primary expertise is in 17th,18th, and 19th century domestic architecture, construction technology, and domestic conveniences.

Prior to his current position at MCWB, Eric worked as project manager for the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF), administered by the Massachusetts State Preservation Office. He was the Director of Historic Preservation at Historic Deerfield, where he was responsible for the repair and restoration of the museum's fifty-five buildings which range in age from the early eighteenth-century to the late twentieth-century. He has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the Historic Preservation Program at Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island and the Boston Architectural College (BAC).

Eric has his undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University and his M.S in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont. As a graduate student, Eric participated in the US/ICOMOS International Exchange Program as an intern with the National Trust in North Yorkshire, England at Fountains Abbey.

Eric understands the privilege of examining buildings and sites in depth, both physically and historically. This understanding enables the firm to make informed decisions when planning work on these significant structures.

Jeffrey Klee

Architectural Historian

Jeff came to MCWB in early 2022 after a 17-year career in the museum sector, chiefly at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Architectural Research Department. He is a specialist in early American architecture with particular expertise in the Chesapeake region and Boston. He is a prominent advocate for the value of the close field investigation of buildings as the best way to understand the history of architecture. Jeff has served on the boards of both the Society of Architectural Historians and the Vernacular Architecture Forum and is currently a member of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ State Review Board.

At MCWB he has been involved in both research projects and bricks-and-mortar restorations. He has done substantial work at the University of Virginia, including a Historic Structure Report on the Jefferson-era dormitory rooms and an update to the university’s preservation plan, which included an analysis of the essential characteristics of the university’s architecture. He has also undertaken major research reports on significant early buildings in Maryland, including the 1737 Old Treasury Building in Annapolis and the c. 1830 slave quarter at the Griffith-Burrall Farm in Frederick County.

Mark Wenger

Architectural Historian

Brendan Tateo

Project Architect

Brendan Tateo is a Registered Architect in New York with over 15 years of experience in the field. Since joining MCWB as a Project Architect in 2021, he has been designing, managing, and overseeing the construction of campus residential and classroom buildings at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. Three of these projects—Venable Hall, Whitehouse Quad, and Gilmer Hall—are historic renovations that have pursued state tax credits through the Department of Historic Resources. Brendan’s expertise lies in the adaptive reuse of existing structures, preserving historic character, and seamlessly integrating modern systems. His previous work includes NYC Landmarks projects, office interiors, apartment buildings, and small mixed-use developments, often within the context of existing buildings. He is committed to creating designs that are both contextual and harmonious, allowing both new and historic elements to complement each other. Brendan is especially proud of Venable Hall at Hampden-Sydney College in Virigina. The project began as a Feasibility Study of renovating the existing historic building, originally built between 1824 and 1831, and continuously in use as a dormitory for the past 200 years. Seeing the project from inception to completion has been immensely satisfying.

Eric Murphy

Project Architect

Eric Murphy, AIA is a project architect at MCWB Architects. He returned to the firm in 2024 after a seven year stint doing public bid work, and has worked at MCWB for a total of eight years. In additional his architectural vocation, Eric has served as the associate pastor at Good Ground Family Church since 2016 and as the Board President to the Connect Center for Youth from 2017-2024. He enjoys the challenge of ‘crafting a story in built form’ for the clients he serves. One project that embodied this ethos is the realization of the Usonian Faculty House for Florida Southern College. Eric served as project manager for the project that was designed 74 years prior by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Lauren Wilson

Project Architect

Lauren is a registered architect in the state of New York, holds a LEED AP BD+C certification (leadership in energy and environmental design, accredited professional in building design and construction) and has a B.Arch from Syracuse University School of Architecture. She has a decade of experience in project management, design, and BIM coordination. Prior to joining the firm Lauren spent 8 years in N.Y, New York working on large-scale, residential and commercial projects, with large project teams, and complex building facades and systems. She brings valuable experience to the team including interdisciplinary coordination, document development and project delivery in a fast-paced environment.

Lauren held a key role in George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion Revitalization project, carrying consultant coordination and construction documentation from earlier phases of design into construction administration.

Patton Roark

Project Architect

Patton earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia, his Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania, and his Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College. Patton has a passion for interpreting the past through hands-on investigation, developing plans for complex rehabilitation projects, and designing details that ensure long-term performance while retaining historic integrity. Patton is driven to solve the unique challenges presented by preserving and restoring historic structures.

Since 2019, Patton has been a part of many exciting projects at MCWB, including work on the campuses of the College of William & Mary, the University of Virginia, and Sweetbriar College, as well as work at Bacon’s Castle, Mount Vernon, Gadsby’s Tavern, and Violet Bank Museum. Patton has been a Project Architect on the rehabilitation of the Maryland State House complex in Annapolis, Maryland and is particularly proud of the comprehensive restoration of the 18th-century State House Dome.

Steven Lowe

Project Architect

Steven has a Master of Architecture and Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Kentucky College of Design. His responsibilities include project management, design coordination, and ensuring the health safety, and welfare of the public, and has an excellent understanding of building science and envelope design. Prior to joining the MCWB team in 2023, Steven had worked on projects for clients as diverse as Samsung Ltd., GAP Inc., the US Department of Energy, US Department of Defense, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and York County Virginia on everything from food and beverage processing facilities to air traffic control towers.

Since joining the MCWB team, Steven has been involved with multiple projects on the historic campuses of Hampden-Sydney University and the University of Virginia.

Sarah Zahirovic

Project Manager

Sarah started out as an intern at MCWB in 2010 but has been a full-time employee since 2012, and has been in the role of Project Manager since 2017. She is largely responsible for carrying projects from the Schematic Design phase through Construction, often drafting construction details while also managing the project team. Sarah’s organization, attention to detail, adaptability, and willingness to help others all make her a valued member of the firm. Sarah’s time with the firm has also allowed her to build dynamic working relationships with not only her co-workers, but with consultants, contractors, and clients, which has contributed to the successful completion of projects. One of her more recent projects, the Weinstein Computer Sciences Center at Florida Southern College showcases her ability to help bring a project from paper to reality.

John Martin

Architectural Designer

John S. Martin is an Architectural Designer in the Albany New York office. John received a Bachelor of Arts from Wilmington College in Ohio, and a Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University. John has been with the firm since 2007, and has worked on a variety of historic preservation and restoration projects including James Madison’s Montpelier, The Maryland State House Old Senate Chamber, George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Pavilion X at Thomas Jefferson designed University of Virginia Campus, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany NY, Herman Melville’s Arrowhead, The Burden Iron Works Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House, and the Studio of Sculptor Daniel Chester French at Chesterwood.

John is currently involved with the ongoing restoration of the roofs balustrades of the Thomas Jefferson designed Student Rooms on “The Lawn” at the University of Virginia, a world heritage site.

Khaleel Mohammed

Architectural Designer

After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2019, Khaleel moved to Albany to start working as an Architectural Designer. With more than five years of experience, the last two of which have been at MCWB, he loves creating digital 3D models in Revit and pushing the software to adapt it to the needs of our projects in creative ways, like adding an historic element to BIM models. He is passionate about detail-oriented design that is driven by the challenges and requirements specific to each project. He takes pride in having been a part of the teams that worked on the restoration of Mt. Vernon, and the renovation of Hampden-Sydney College’s Venable Hall.

Jessica Umholtz

Architectural Designer

Jessica is an Architectural Designer and has been with the firm since August of 2023. Although she has worked for different architecture firms over the past nine years, she is excited to begin her journey in historic preservation. Growing up in Virginia, historic sites have always been an important part in telling the story of this state’s history, and there are so many to choose from. Jessica looks forward to continuing to work to preserve these sites for generations to come. So far, she has worked on historic sites at the University of Virginia and Hampden-Sydney College.

Mayrelis Perez

Digital Documentation Specialist

Mayre’s role started as she graduated with a Master’s in Historic Preservation that focused on the use of laser scanning to document historic properties. Her Master's Thesis outlined the idea of using technology throughout the architectural project process, from Schematic Design through Construction Administration. MCWB was the perfect place for her to test her thesis, allowing her to combine her architectural design skills with her interest in historic preservation. There, she could work in a design and preservation environment where digital technologies aid documentation and design processes.

What drives her work is being in an environment and field that allows her to shape the future while learning from the past. For the past five years she’s been doing just that – using a variety of digital technologies to take projects from one phase to the next. Two of the main projects she’s been able to document, 3D model and help develop construction documents for Venable Hall, recently completed at Hampden-Sydney College and the Mansion at Mount Vernon.

Seth Miller

Digital Documentation Specialist

Samuel Libby

Architectural Designer

Samuel began working at MCWB in May 2022, after receiving his Masters in Architecture with a minor is Studio Art at Norwich University. While working on his thesis at Norwich, Sam attended a talk given by MCWB’s own Eric Kuchar about their restoration work at UVA, and has been deeply interested in historical preservation ever since. As an architectural designer, he has been a part of a multitude projects, including many at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville, Virginia. Sam has enjoyed working closely with clients to create design renderings and drawings in the early stages of projects, developing a proficiency in various modelling and rendering programs along the way. He is pleased with his work on Venable Hall and Whitehouse Quadrangle, two Hampden-Sydney dormitories the projects for which have since been completed, as well as many others that are still in progress.

Mike Brognano

Architectural Designer

Mike is an Architectural Designer with a Bachelor's in Architectural Building and Design from the State University of New York at Delhi. Mike is approaching his two-year mark at MCWB Architects, with much of his time focused on construction administration and documentation. Before earning his degree, Mike gained valuable experience in the construction industry to help expand his practical knowledge of architecture. His enthusiasm for historic masonry and architecture ultimately drew him to MCWB, where he could apply his interest to the restoration of significant structures. Throughout his tenure, Mike has contributed to a variety of projects, many of which have been on Cornell University’s campus. One project that Mike is especially proud to have been a part of is the restoration and rehabilitation of Uris Library & McGraw Tower.

Elizabeth Clapp

Architectural Designer

Elizabeth Clapp joined MCWB in 2023 as an architectural designer. Prior to joining the firm, she interned with the Historic American Buildings Survey and earned her Bachelor of Architecture at Pratt Institute. She is passionate about building documentation and fieldwork. Elizabeth assisted in the creation of the HBIM model of Monticello and the organization of the firm's library.

Rebekah Ipock

Architectural Designer

Rebekah has a drive for problem solving and looks forward to the complexities and creative challenges that come with historic architecture. She attained her Bachelors of Architecture with a minor in Real Estate from Virginia Tech and has been with MCWB since 2021 as an Architectural Designer. During her time at the firm, Rebekah has worked on a variety of higher education projects, including Venable Hall at Hampden-Sydney College, and Memorial Gym at UVA. Recently, she has completed Building Information Models (BIM) of Monticello and the Lawn and Student Rooms at UVA, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By integrating point cloud data from in-house laser scanning, field notes, and historical data, she created seamless BIM models that can be used as documentary tools, as well as for future building and systems renovations.

Alana Campana

Office Manager

Alana Campana brings over 20 years of office and project management experience to MCWB, combining strong organizational leadership with a deep understanding of operational efficiency. She has successfully led teams in healthcare, legal, and design industries, managing everything from budgets and scheduling to HR and client services. Known for her strategic approach and attention to detail, Alana ensures the office runs smoothly and creates a welcoming environment for anyone who enters the office.

Alex Miller

Marketing Coordinator

Alex is a creative professional with a BFA in Graphic Design from the College of Saint Rose. With a strong background in graphic design, marketing, website management and brand management, Alex has helped businesses elevate their brands and drive growth. Through both freelance work and in-house roles, Alex has applied her design expertise to create impactful visuals and marketing solutions that enhance brand presence and engagement. At MCWB, Alex has had the pleasure of working on the MCWB brand and business development initiatives.

Michael Molinski

Videographer & Digital Documentation Specialist

FIRM HISTORY

For over 80 years, MCWB Architects has stood the test of time, evolving through decades of innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship. 

Office of Blatner and Van Der Bogert Architects

1941-1943

In 1941, Henry Blatner and Giles Yates Van der Bogert joined forces to establish an architecture firm that would become a leader in the fields of architecture and preservation. Before World War II, they designed the Delaware Spectrum 8 Theater in Albany, NY, and Van der Bogert served as head of the Regional Historical Preservation Associationestablishing the firm as a pioneer in architecture and preservation. However, both Blatner and Van der Bogert were called to serve in WWII, leading to the dissolution of their partnership. 
Notable Projects:
  • Delaware Theater – Albany, NY
  • Henry Blatner House – Slingerlands, NY
  • Stein House – Slingerlands, NY

Post War: Office of Henry L. Blatner

1946-1961

After serving in World War II, Blatner returned and founded his own firm in Delmar, NY. Van Der Bogert went on to teach and write books dedicated to architecture and preservation. Henry Blatner brought together talented architects who would later become his partners and contribute to the enduring legacy of MCWB. 
Notable Projects:
  • Clarksville Elementary School – Clarksville, VA
  • Albany Academy For Girls – Albany, NY
  • Oppenheim House – Albany, NY

Office of Blatner and Williams

1961-1964

In 1961, Graham George Williams joined the firm as the second partner. During this time, the office of Blatner & Williams explored and expanded their portfolio by securing educational and religious projects. 
Notable Projects:
  • Loudonville Presbyterian Church – Loudonville, NY
  • Branch Bank of Albany – Albany, NY
  • St. John’s Lutheran Church – Albany, NY

Blatner Mendel Mesick Architects

1965-1971

1965 was a pivotal moment for the firm. Benjamin Mendel, who had attended RPI with Henry Blatner and worked with him at a previous firm, joined as partner. John Mesick was named partner as well, having worked for the firm since 1961 and following a tour around the world. With their skills balanced in architecture, preservation and interior design, they were well equipped to take on impressive projects. 
Notable Projects:
  • Residence Hall: Albany Medical College – Albany, NY
  • Colonie Country Club – Voorheesville, NY
  • Library, Laboratory and Lecture Hall Blocks: Albany Medical College – Albany, NY

Blatner Mendel Mesick Cohen Architects

1971-1972

In 1971, James A. Cohen became the firm’s fourth partner, bringing balance to the leadership team. His early career was marked by extensive travel, which enriched his perspective and expertise before becoming partner. 
Notable Projects:
  • Burden Iron Works – Troy, NY
  • Albany Institute of History & Art – Albany, NY
  • Medical College – Albany, NY

Mendel Mesick Cohen Architects

1973-1976

By 1973, Henry Blatner stepped down as name partner. As the founder of the firm, Henry laid the groundwork for what would become the MCWB legacy—a dedication to thoughtful design and innovation. 
Notable Projects
  • Oswego Library – Oswego, NY
  • Oswego City Hall – Oswego, NY
  • Union College, Nott Memorial – Schenectady, NY

Mendel Mesick Cohen Waite Architects

1975-1984

In 1976, John G. Waite joined the firm as a name partner. Prior to this, John had gained valuable experience working for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Three years later, in 1979, MCWB moved from 11 North Pearl Street to their new and current location at 388 Broadway. 
Notable Projects
  • Old Barracks – Trenton, NY
  • New York State Capitol – Albany, NY
  • Blair House – Washington, DC

Mendel Mesick Cohen Waite & Hall

1984-1989

In 1984, Michael Hall was added as a name partner. Having worked under Mendel, Mesick, Cohen, and Waite, Hall had demonstrated unique skills in both modern architecture and rehabilitation. Two years later, in 1986, the firm reached a pivotal milestone with the Blair House Project, a landmark project that helped establish MCWB as a nationally recognized leader in the preservation field. 
Notable Projects
  • Vermont State House – Montpelier, VT
  • Albany Law School Library – Albany, NY
  • Ontario County Courthouse – Canandaigua, NY 
  • Tennessee State Capitol – Nashville, TN

Mesick Cohen Waite Architects

1989-1995

In 1989, the firm restructured and became Mesick Cohen Waite Architects. During this period, the firm continued to secure major projects in historic preservation. In 1993, AutoCAD was introduced to the firm, marking a significant step in modernizing the design process and enhancing project efficiency. 
Notable Projects
  • Monticello – Charlottesville, VA
  • Poplar Forest – Forest, VA
  • The University of Virginia – Charlottesville, VA
  • The Isaac Bell House – Newport, RI
  • Tweed Courthouse – New York, NY

Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects

1995-2020

In 1995, Jeffrey Baker and Laurence Wilson joined as partners, forming the MCWB Architects partnership. As the firm took on more projects along the East Coast, it expanded operations with a second office in Williamsburg, Virginia. During this period of growth, the firm’s capabilities evolved with the adoption of Revit, 3D scanning, and drone technology. In the years that followed, James Cohen retired in 2014, followed by John Mesick in 2018. 
Notable Projects:
  • Florida Southern College – Lakeland, FL
  • Newport Country Club – Newport, RI
  • Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – Albany, NY
  • New York State Capitol – Albany, NY
  • Montpelier – Orange, VA
  • Fort Orange Club – Albany, NY

MCWB Architects

2020-Present

In 2020, Thomas Burgess was brought on as partner, completing the current leadership team of MCWB Architects. During this time, the firm has continued to be a trailblazer in the industry, taking on diverse projects that involve the designing of new buildings in significant historical contexts.  
Notable Projects
  • Hampden-Sydney College – Hampden Sydney, VA
  • Maryland State House – Annapolis, MD
  • Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, VA
  • Cornell University – Ithaca, NY

We’re always searching for creative minds and skilled hands to join our team.

Email your resume and portfolio to info@mcwb-arch.com

Rooted in tradition, driven by innovation—our work reflects a balance of history and forward-thinking design.

ALBANY

388 Broadway, Albany, New York 12207

WILLIAMSBURG

402 W Duke of Gloucester Street, Suite 240
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

CONTACT

518.433.9394
info@mcwb-arch.com